The Capote actor had already been linked to the role of Plutarch Heavensbee in Catching Fire, but he has now officially signed up, Lionsgate Films has announced.

A source told E! News that the Oscar-winner's deal "was made right before the Fourth of July holiday".

Philip, 44, will join Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson, who are all expected to reprise their roles for the next instalment of the movies based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling books.

It has been reported that Sucker Punch actress Jena Malone has also been offered a role in the film.

Philip's character, Plutarch, takes over from Seneca Crane (Wes Bentley) as the man in charge of the Hunger Games, an annual event which sees teenagers battling to the death in a specially constructed arena.

Catching Fire, which will be directed by Francis Lawrence, is scheduled for release in November 2013 and will be followed by the final film, Mockingjay.